1. Be sure to check on your Rotary district’s PETS event and district conferences. These are great venues to spread the great work and awareness of ShelterBox.
2. We have just launched a new effort in Gaza. You should have received information on this. If not, please reach out to me and I will see that you get the update.
   Here are the specifics on that issue:
   • Responding in Gaza will be challenging; however, ShelterBox has extensive experience working in complex crises and getting aid to severely affected areas.
   • Essential items such as tarps and rope will aid in repairing damaged structures and waterproofing shelters. Blankets, mattresses, pillows, and ground mats will provide warmth and comfort.
   • Additionally, we will be supplying hygiene kits containing essentials such as diapers, toothbrushes, and sanitary items, along with water carriers and kitchen sets to support basic needs.
3. If you need any updated presentations, I do have some I can share. Just reach out to me and I will see you get that information.
4. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other civic groups. I recently spoke to some Kiwanis Clubs and they were surprised to hear about ShelterBox and our great work. Have not received any donations as yet, but getting the information out has prompted some additional inquires.
5. Continue to reach out to Rotary clubs to get on their program lists. Clubs always need programs. I would also encourage you to inquire about Interact and Rotaract club presentations. In fact, if your area has EarlyAct, that might be fun too. We have an upcoming presentation in D7770 in Columbia, SC to an EarlyAct group in March.
6. We currently are responding in over 12 different areas right now.
7. With supply issues causing some challenges, we need to be certain we understand how to make viable presentations where we may not have any distribution items to share. I have found posters, photos, etc. will do a super job for you. If you have questions on this, please reach out to me.

S.A.F.E. is here.

We are thrilled to announce that registration is live for S.A.F.E., Fredonia. This exciting and interactive event will take place in Mason, Texas on April 12th-14th, 2024.

S.A.F.E. is a program set up to show our supporters what ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) members experience when providing emergency shelter across the world. The weekend will include training courses, humanitarian educational programs, and a chance to network and connect with fellow supporters, SRTs, and SBUSA staff.

Here are some additional details:

• The cost to attend S.A.F.E. is $50 plus your plane ticket to and from Austin, Texas (AUS). Payment may be made via credit/debit card on the registration site. Access via button below.
• Transport to and from the Austin airport is generously provided by The Rotary Club of Lakeway/Lake Travis
• All Ambassadors will sleep in tents in teams of four individuals of mixed genders
• The training includes moderate physical activity lasting up to 4 hours at a time

It will be an informative, fun and connective weekend and we would love to see you there!

If you have any questions, please contact Libby Faus (lfaus@shelterboxusa.org).

Register for SAFE Here

• New mailing address for direct paper donations: SHELTERBOX USA, POB 103299, Pasadena, CA. 91189-3299. This is for DONATIONS ONLY.
• Still nothing settled about Graphic Ink regarding supplies. I know some of you have had some real issues with shipping charges. I have asked SB to explore getting a potential supplier also on the east coast that might help with these issues. More to come.
• Be sure to zoom into as many of the ambassadors calls as you can or listen to them when they are posted. Our new volunteer and partnership manager, Libby Faus, is working hard to provide quality calls and also get our website up-to-date. Her email address is lfaus@shelterboxusa.org.

Have a great rest of the Rotary year and
let’s do our best to get out to as many audiences as we can.

Think BIG!
Herman

My contact information:

MAILING: 241 Weston Hall Drive, Summerville, SC 29483

CELL (phone or text): 304-839-5101

EMAIL: hd@thinkbigdixon.com or thinkbighd@twc.com